Pellegrini may have been attempting a degree of diplomacy or seeking to avoid providing bulletin board material for his opposite number but, despite United’s recent good form, City lived up to their billing as favourites by sweeping United aside in emphatic fashion.

For City fans of a certain vintage it is a rare old feeling to even countenance the possibility of getting a derby victory away from home – but to march into Old Trafford as odds-on winners is still something to shake your head at, despite City’s ascent – and victories – in recent seasons.

From the very first whistle, City’s intent was clear; a fast and furious pace from the outset could have yielded two goals prior to Edin Dzeko putting City ahead after just 42 seconds. It was an attack that caught United cold and left David Moyes to admit that his team ‘just never started well enough’.

On the back foot United were reeling and, sensing the kill, City moved in – threatening with every attack as their midfield options overran United’s midfield and defence. David Silva, in particular, at times made the absurd appear mundane as United offered little response.

To their credit though, Moyes and United reacted, re-grouping to stem the flow and towards the latter part of the first half began to threaten themselves. However, half-time stymied their progress and City came out for the second period with a renewed purpose, perhaps aware of the significance victory would bring or simply seeking to re-assert their undoubted authority.

Pellegrini may be reticent to talk up his side, [but] even he must concede that this performance had the air of a side that consider themselves title favourites – and on this evidence deservedly so

When Dzeko added his and City’s second there was little sense United could find a way back. The sight of Wayne Rooney frantically tracking back in a desperate bid to resuscitate his side single-handedly was symptomatic of the difference between the two sides; one frantic and thoughtless, the other clinical and measured.

It was an important win for City, not just in terms of the context of the opposition or the three points on offer, but this was the first of City’s games in hand on the sides above them. Having won, the gap is back to three points instead of a risky six, so City are now within striking distance with two games in hand.

Pellegrini lauded his side’s performance post-game, focusing on his defence having now posted five successive clean sheets while avoiding the errors that cost them so dearly earlier in the season.

They move on to the Emirates now to round out what had the potential to be a tricky week. But while Pellegrini may be reticent to talk up his side, even he must concede that this performance had the air of a side that consider themselves title favourites – and on this evidence deservedly so.